MedStar Health and Hope for Henry: The inspiration behind our approach
MedStar Health has a longstanding relationship with Hope for Henry, a program that began at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital in 2003. What started as an innovative approach to supporting pediatric patients has evolved into an evidence-based model that improves both clinical outcomes and the patient experience.
Building on more than two decades of collaboration, MedStar Health has integrated Hope for Henry’s programming into our pediatric care. This approach focuses on reducing anxiety and supporting children through medical experiences—helping improve adherence to treatments, reduce the need for sedation, and create a more positive experience for patients and families.
Together, we’ve transformed pediatric care for more than 150,000 children. Today, these programs are being embedded into everyday clinical practice across MedStar Health, ensuring consistent, compassionate care that supports your child and family.
Meet Henry
On October 25, 1995, Henry Strongin Goldberg was born. Two weeks later, he was diagnosed with Fanconi anemia, a disease that threatened to take his life. His ear-to-ear smile and joyous laughter were far more noticeable than his many surgical scars and low-platelet-related bruises.
Henry suffered plenty of setbacks and spent countless nights in the hospital fighting against Fanconi anemia. Despite Henry’s shining spirit, his family’s determination, and the dozens of medical professionals who worked tirelessly to heal him, on December 11, 2002, Henry died.
In trying to save Henry’s life, his parents, Laurie Strongin and Allen Goldberg, spent hundreds of nights in hospitals. Laurie and Allen found that the chance to have a birthday party in the hospital, trick-or-treat in the hospital corridors, or meet his favorite superheroes brought normalcy to Henry’s life and motivated him to get better. Everything they learned about the importance of optimism and play in the lives of seriously ill children inspired them to found Hope for Henry in 2003.
Pediatric resources
MedStar Health offers a wide range of pediatric resources to support children’s health from infancy through young adulthood, combining expert care with a compassionate, child-centered approach. By partnering with Hope for Henry, we have used their pediatric resources to provide families with clear guidance on specialty services, imaging, procedures, and recovery—helping reduce anxiety and supporting the child and family throughout their care journey.
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Hope for Henry transforms pediatric care with innovative, child-centered programs that empower kids and families. Since 2003, it has supported over 150,000 children in 40+ hospitals nationwide.